Construction machinery operators from 15 countries across Europe, Middle East and Africa gathered at the
Following four highly technical challenges, French operator Ludovic Fronteau emerged victorious, lifting the trophy and winning the 2016 title, while Denmark grabbed the country team prize.
The operators took to the controls of a range of Case machinery to hone their skills in the complex challenges, Wild Wheels, Lawless Loader, Cherokee Crawler and Big Thunder Backhoe. Each test was designed to assess the driver’s coordination, operating finesse and control behind the levers.
Wild Wheels called for the operators to take the controls of a Case compact wheeled loader equipped with pallet forks; the Lawless Loader test involved a compact track loader with an attachment to carry a ball mounted on a cone, while the Cherokee Crawler involved Case crawler excavator with a hook hanging from a chain at the end of the dipper arm.
The final competition called for drivers of a Case backhoe loader to use the backhoe bucket to take five balls from individual bases and place them into a basketball hoop.
As well as lifting the Rodeo trophy to a round of porters and competitors, Ludovic Fronteau won a Mediterranean cruise for two and a visit to the Case plant in Lecce, Italy.
“Above all I was very satisfied with the warm welcome and the organisation of the International Case Rodeo final. I would also like to thank all the organisers of the final French Rodeo heat that took place the previous weekend. The Big Thunder Backhoe game was my favourite as it was interesting and complicated,” said Ludovic Fronteau.
A special team award was given to an international group, with operators from Mozambique, Israel and Romania. This additional award was given to recognise their team spirit and enjoyment of the event. This was the first time that operators from both Israel and Mozambique have taken part in the Rodeo.
The final award of the 2016 Case Rodeo, given for his incredible ability to stay on the mechanical bull, went to Xavier Dannemark from Belgium.
“Once again the Case Rodeo operator competition has proven one of the most popular events in the calendar for Case dealers and customers across our region,” said Giampiero Biglia, marketing director CNH Industrial Construction Equipment for Europe, Africa and the Middle East.
“The level of skill and control on display today was simply unbelievable. All of the operators had a fantastic competition and we at Case have really enjoyed the opportunity to demonstrate just how versatile and controllable our equipment can be.”
